Google :: Caveats for Users

Gmail Privacy Issues (Updated 5/1/14)

Google has ended its practice of scanning its users' Apps for Education accounts for advertising purposes after being sued by students and other Gmail users last year, the company announced Wednesday. There's more information on Google's enterprise blog at:

It appears that Google's privacy policies as they apply to the handling of mail content in Google Apps for Education may have changed since HSU signed up with Google in 2010. We are keeping an eye on ongoing court cases around this issue and will communicate further to campus if the outcome of these cases or any further information from Google warrants such action. In the meantime, you can read more about the issue at the following links:

Google+ - What You Need to Know Before You Start

First, and most importantly, your Google+ profile is PUBLIC.You have to create a Google+ profile in order to use the site, and by default the majority of the information in that profile is visible to anyone on the web. You do have some control in terms of narrowing the scope of who can view certain types of information, so be sure to configure those controls before you start posting on the site. As with all online communities, think before you post, and be aware that some apps will also make elements of your profile information public. Learn more about Google+ profiles.

Secondly, HSU does not provide support for Google+, since it is not part of our Google Apps agreement. If you use Google+ in association with your HSU Gmail account, you should be aware that you will need to address any support issues, other than your user credentials, with Google; HSU’s Technology Help Desk is not able to open trouble tickets for Google+ issues. When you sign up for Google+, you will be required to agree to Google’s consumer terms of service.